Japan national team’s defence coach David Kidwell has joined Michael Cheika’s Leicester Tigers on a secondment until the end of the season.
Ex-NRL star Kidwell, 47, worked with Australian Cheika as an assistant coach for Argentina and helped Los Pumas reach the 2023 World Cup semi-final.
The Christchurch native has been brought in to help tighten up the Welford Road outfit’s leaky defence. Leicester, who are fourth in the Premiership, conceded 42 points to Bordeaux in December, 54 points against Bristol two weeks later and were humiliated by Antoine Dupont’s Toulouse in a 12-try, 80-12 demolition in January.
Kidwell has worked as an assistant coach in rugby league for Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Kiwis, Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm.
During his 13-year playing career, the former Kiwis star made more than 250 appearances in the NRL and Super League and enjoyed success with 2002 NRL Grand Final winners Sydney Roosters and for his country as part of the 2005 Tri-Nations and 2008 World Cup-winning New Zealand teams.
Cheika, who will leave his role at Leicester at the end of the season, said: “It’s great to be able to have someone of David’s experience in coaching join us and, as well as that, he brings a unique perspective on the game that will offer a valuable, new point of view.
“Having worked with him before, I know what positives he will bring into our environment and that extends beyond just the players to the coaches and staff with the experience and knowledge he can pass on to them to help us improve.
“David was a tough player; successful player and both of those mindsets are going to be important for us to have for the remainder of this season.”
Kidwell commented on why he accepted the short-term role: “Not only is it an opportunity to enhance my coaching but also one to do at a big club and a successful club, that are looking to add to that success this season.
“I love winning and want to keep winning, wherever I am, and I would not have said yes to Cheika if I didn’t think there was a chance of winning. The Premiership is a tough competition and Tigers are in the mix at the top and I want to help the players and coaches get even better.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity with Argentina and Michael and it will be good to connect again in Leicester. I’m grateful to be able to go with the blessing of Japan and Eddie Jones, who has told me to embrace the club, competition, learn all I can and bring it back at the end of the season.”
Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who played for Leicester Tigers in 1991, said: “We see this as great chance for Dave to learn from Cheika and continue his rugby development.
“You get better at coaching by coaching and so we are grateful for the opportunity for Dave at Leicester Tigers.”
Kidwell will join the club’s coaching team ahead of the next round of the Premiership on Friday 21 March when Leicester travel to their East Midlands rivals Northampton Saints.
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